AT&T Corporate Headquarters

The Sony Tower, formerly the AT&T Building, is a 647 feet (197 m) tall, 37-story highrise skyscraper located at 550 Madison Avenue between 55th Street and 56th Street in the New York City borough of Manhattan.It was designed by architect Philip Johnson and partner John Burgee, and was constructed in 1984. It became immediately controversial for its ornamental top (sometimes mocked as "Chippendale", after the open pediments characteristic of the famous English designer's bookcases and other cabinetry), but enjoyed for its spectacular arched entranceway, measuring about seven stories in height. With these ornamental additions, the building challenged architectural modernism's demand for stark functionalism and purely efficient design. For this it is considered by many critics to be a prime exemplar of postmodern architecture.

I visited this building in 1997. At that time there was a public atrium at low level in the building (I don't know if it's still there?) My Wife and I made the mistake of stopping for a coffee. I have to say it was one of the dullest, most boring, deadliest, depressing public places I've ever visited. We couldn't wait to get out!